Monday, April 6, 2015

Odyssey of the Mind - The Runaway Train Problem

This was Pierce's second year of participating in Odyssey of the Mind.  Kids choose a problem, and then spend months trying to solve it with creativity and outside-the-box thinking.  This year his team did a problem where they had to build a runaway train, with obstacles, that propelled through a course.  It was very technical.

Pierce really wanted to be the conductor in their skit.  He practiced really hard for the part.  He was thrilled when he got it!  Here is a sign he made as one of their props:

Pierce doesn't seem to have any stage fright.  He spoke loud and clear as he scooted his train around the edge of the track (there was a second, smaller train that you can see along him that actually went along the track). 

Afterwards, the kids took the coaches around and explained how they built everything.  Pierce talked to the coaches for a long time. He likes to explain things.
Unfortunately, they did not place this year.  It was hard seeing all those crestfallen faces after they worked so hard.  But they did a great job, and it was all excellent practice for next year!

25 comments:

jp@A Green Ridge said...

He has such a wonderful mind!!!...:)JP

Unknown said...

That was a great experience for them and even tho they didnt win, it was good practice, as you said, for next year. Things like that teach them more than they even realize.

Out on the prairie said...

Tough to win , but fun to be part of.I like their theme.

TexWisGirl said...

an engineer, an actor, so many possibilities. :)

21 Wits said...

Oh goodness what a fun time! Great happy moments to remember!

Donna said...

Hi Lisa! Thanks for leaving a comment on my Bloggers Over 50 site...I know you're NOT over 50 but I added your name anyway!Hahaa...
Wow! Small world. Did you attend Baylor or MCC?
Thanks for following!
hughugs

Linda said...

It looks like a winner to me! And the experience to work with others is so very important in these projects. Everyone deserves a prize! Linda@Wetcreek Blog

Montanagirl said...

It was still a wonderful experience, and no doubt teaches them that we won't always "place" or "win." There's always next year! :)

Ginny Hartzler said...

He is turning into a public speaker! Taking months will build patience and perseverance. How many others were in it? Well, I think he won anyway, by sticking with it, being a good public speaker, and being able to explain it.

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

This sounds like a great program for him to be a part of. That's great that Pierce likes to explain things and isn't shy on stage--good skills for him to have.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I love his dedication and the fact that he does not have stage fright. Being able to explain everything to the coaches is really awesome. He should be very proud of himself for a job well done!

Sally said...

Pierce is such a sweetheart, and smart! I'm so glad you guys let the boys participate in so many things. You're good parents. :)

xoxo

Michaele said...

So great to raise a kid with confidence.

Michelle said...

What an excellent experience for him. Great to see that he is focused on speaking for himself. That is a great trait to have in life.

Lin said...

Aw, bummer. But look at him shine!! I hope he is proud of the way he handled the judges. Look at him go!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Pierce has gained a lot of confidence!! Good for him!
love
tweedles

Linda said...

Looks like a good time!

Vision By Mila said...

I do have stage fright, I absolutely hate speaking in public, hence it's very rarely that happens. I'm glad he got the part, he is very cute in his overalls!

Sharon Wagner said...

Good for him!

An Apel a Day said...

My boys would love doing this! It looks like so much fun!

Marie said...

Love the pic of him explaining things to the coaches. :)

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

What a sweet boy!!! Great job, Pierce!

Annette said...

What a cool idea and great experience. My son Lewie would have loved it--anything to do with trains! Yay to Pierce for his hard work and enthusiasm!

Eat To Live said...

That is great that Pierce got the part in the skit that he wanted.

Unknown said...

That is so cool that he gave it a 100% effort afterwards to close the deal--so to speak. Very impressive, Lisa! I'm sure you were as proud as he was!